Date: 20/04/2008
Trip Leader: Rae Warne / Lindsay Brooks
Trip Report: Don Garland
Woke early to a fine clear frosty morning and thought: ‘Do I need some 4WD training?’ Maybe, but Annie definitely does as we just got our car back from the panelbeaters, but that’s another story.
All set to go, but no - flat battery (unusual for me). A jump start, then off on our way straight into a bumper to bumper traffic jam around Rocks Road: 5,000 people and cars to watch the transport ship berth, so arrived at the theory session a little late - sorry! Once again I found this session both informative and enlightening as would have the other members who attended. The sketches, videos, training manuals, etc. were presented in a professional but lighthearted manner, so as not to scare off anyone.
Next it was back to our vehicles and up the Matai to the training area for lunch in the sun. Here Jackson gave us a tour around, under, and through his truck, showing us what you need for 4wheel driving, where to store things safely and any home comforts to keep "Her Indoors happy" (his words, not mine). He’s even got a spare set of wheel nuts! Wonder why?
Off again, through the Matai River and wind our way up to an area to practice hill stalls and restarts in reverse - quite scary in an automatic but Annie handled that like a pro when told she was allowed to use the brakes very lightly - must say I felt a lot happier, too!
Next stage was across a creek, through a bog, straddle a ditch, and generally getting to know your vehicle’s capabilities in a safe environment.
Back to the Matai River for some crossing practice, where unfortunately we had to depart as nurse Gladas had work at 3pm.
Thanks to Rae, Lindsay, Jackson and Brent for the training. I also picked up a few good tips, so you are never too old to learn.
Cheers
Don
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Past club trips 
